As a newbie. I bought a bulk set of various styles of needles on Ebay. It consists of mostly metal. I like how easily the yarn glides on and off of the metal needles but as a newbie I find it frustrating with the DpN. I have one set of circulars in a plastic material but they stitches don't flow as well, but I do like knitting without the needles catching on my sleeves, chair arms and anything else to the side of me. I haven't tried wood or bamboo and I don't know what brands they are except the DpN are Aero. What Needles are your favorite, and Why? Should I buy a sampler set? Help a Newbie out.

This is so much a matter or personal opinion although as Jan recommends, there's lots of good advice in previous posts. I like the nickel-plated needles myself but not in dpns. A grabbier needle, e.g. bamboo, works better for me in that case. Try as many different kinds as you can till you learn which you prefer and for which yarn type.

most of the time i go for circular needles with metal tips.
'prym' metal circulars - good tips and the transition to the cable is even. soft cables too.
'pony' - no! no! no!... cheap but nasty.
'addi click' - my favourite! all addis are nice and I had some before I got the basic set the other day. the click system is very reliable and one can connect and disconnect tips and needles in 2sec... no fiddle, no screwing in/out... just click it. not cheap, but a real joy.

there are also benefits to bamboo needles. such like that it makes less 'clickediclick' noise while knitting. good if one likes to knit and watch movies at the same time. also while working with very soft yarn it can be helpful if the needles have more grip, so avoid needles sliding out to easily... especially when making socks etc where one needle is unsupported while knitting.

over all - i vote for addi. - they also do a starter kit (metal tips only) so one could try and than add bamboo or lace tips to test.

I recommend KnitPicks "Harmony" interchangeable circular needles to a new knitter.

They are slick and quick, but not overly so. Affordable piece by piece...or as a set.

Being an admitted needle hound, I've purchased bulk circular knitting needles, mixed batches various brands, some no brand at all, for dirt cheap from Ebay, and come upon some sets that remain personal favs.

most of the time i go for circular needles with metal tips.
'prym' metal circulars - good tips and the transition to the cable is even. soft cables too.
'pony' - no! no! no!... cheap but nasty.
'addi click' - my favourite! all addis are nice and I had some before I got the basic set the other day. the click system is very reliable and one can connect and disconnect tips and needles in 2sec... no fiddle, no screwing in/out... just click it. not cheap, but a real joy.

there are also benefits to bamboo needles. such like that it makes less 'clickediclick' noise while knitting. good if one likes to knit and watch movies at the same time. also while working with very soft yarn it can be helpful if the needles have more grip, so avoid needles sliding out to easily... especially when making socks etc where one needle is unsupported while knitting.

over all - i vote for addi. - they also do a starter kit (metal tips only) so one could try and than add bamboo or lace tips to test.

I like my Addi Clicks but I don't like the join. I am knitting a smoke ring for my daughter-in-law using the addi clicks and the lace weight yarn keeps catching on the join. I have to fiddle with the yarn to get it up and over the lip of the needle join area especially on the pattern row. If it has yarnovers in it they catch on that lip of metall.

__________________
Daylilies are the Lord's smiles, a new one every day.